Arrogant Bercow should be brought to heel

Share via

The Speaker’s nonsensical appointment of a new clerk of the Commons threatens to bring parliament into disrepute

The British parliament is the envy of the world, a model for lawmaking. So as
the public lose trust in politicians, the reputation of parliament itself is
crucial. That is why the row over the appointment of a new clerk to the
House of Commons, at a salary of £200,000 a year, is not just a silly season
Westminster spat. The prime minister should intervene.

The clerk of the House reports to the Speaker and is responsible for ensuring
that parliamentary procedure is observed. This is not just fusty tradition:
these rules allow MPs to be properly heard in debates,